Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to
the highest bidder August 17th - 19th, 2017 at Russo and Steele's
17th Annual Monterey, California Auction. Please contact us for
more information. The Jaguar E-Type was referred to as the Jaguar
XKE for the North American market and was manufactured by Jaguar
Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high
performance and competitive pricing established the model as an
icon of the motoring world. At a time when most cars had drum
brakes, live rear axles, and mediocre performance, the E-Type
sprang onto the scene with 150 mph top speed, sub-7-second zero to
60 mph acceleration, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack and
pinion steering, independent front and rear suspension and striking
appeal. The E-Type was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which
had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years
(1955-1957), and therefore employed the racing design of a body tub
attached to a tubular framework, with the engine bolted directly to
the framework. On its release in March 1961 Enzo Ferrari called it
"the most beautiful car ever made". In 2004, Sports Car
International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their
list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. The E-Type Series III was
introduced in 1971 and production continued until 1975. It was
powered by a new 5.3 L twelve-cylinder Jaguar VI2 engine with a top
speed of 135 mph. It also had uprated brakes and standard power
steering. Optionally an automatic transmission, wire wheels and air
conditioning were available. The brand new V12 engine was
originally developed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was equipped
with four Zenith carburetors. The final engine was claimed to
produce 272 horsepower, more torque, and a 0-60 mph acceleration in
less than 7 seconds. Total production was 15,290 that was almost
equally divided between the two models. The Jaguar E-Type Series
III offered has matching numbers and is finished in Graphite Gray
with a new black German canvas top and light tan leather interior.
It is offered with the rare fiberglass hardtop and has the original
optional wire wheels along with original brightwork. The white wall
tires are new and the original manual is included. Recent
mechanical work has been accomplished by Jaguar in Great Britain. A
new, in the wrapper, gas tank was recently installed. The XKE is
recognized as one of the most elegant designs ever produced
offering a combination of styling and performance. The V12 engine
under the hood of this fast and sleek looking sports car sounds
like a roaring pussy cat ready to offer exciting performance.
